Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
Set in the near future in the fishing village of Kuinak, Alaska, a remnant outpost of the American frontier not yet completely overcome by environmental havoc and mad-dog development, Sailor Song is a wild, rollicking novel, a dark and cosmic romp. The town and its denizens —colorful refugees from the Lower Forty-Eight and Descendants of Early Aboriginal People- are seduced and besieged by a Hollywood crew, come to film the classic children's book The Sea Lion. The ensuing turf war escalates into a struggle for the soul of the town as the novel spins and swirls toward a harrowing climax. Kesey has given us a unique and powerful novel about America, and this epic tale of the north is a vibrant moral fable for our time.
Tags
Sailor Song: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This darkly comic literary sci-fi novel contains mature themes, strong language typical of Kesey's work, and likely adult situations as a fishing town confronts Hollywood exploitation. Best for adult readers familiar with countercultural literary fiction.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include class struggle and violence.
Who'll love this
Adult readers who enjoyed One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest will appreciate this wild, satirical take on environmental collapse and cultural sellout in Alaska.